BS: Fighting Fat 2008

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 03:04 PM

Frank, shredded wheat is the only cereal I have been able to find that has only the one ingredient, NO salt, NO sugar, etc. It's good stuff and eaten consistently it is supposed to lower cholesterol, too. Just a note, the granola I linked to is a cereal, not in bar form, though I think they have those, too. I like it because it has the protein in it.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Pseudolus
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 02:32 PM

I haven't thought of eating shredded wheat. I should try that. I never add sugar to my cereal not because of a health reason, I just like it plain, pretty boring huh? So I will probably go with the shredded wheat alone and save the bar for a snack. Thanks Kat!

Frank

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 01:21 PM

Frank, I do a combo of whole wheat Shredded Wheat, which is really good and has only one ingredient which also has lots of fiber, mixed with a yummy high protein granola I get at the health food store, for breakfast. I don't get hungry as much after having it AND I get the protein with the carbs. Here's the granola I use: Bear Naked Peak Protein. It's so tasty and the dried fruit means I don't want any sugar on my cereal. I use rice milk and am good to go!

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Becca72
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 01:05 PM

I actually started EATING breakfast. I have never been a fan and find it very difficult to eat shortly after I wake up, but if I wait an hour or so I'm ok with it. I usually do some high fiber cereal with 1% milk and a piece of fruit, or a whole wheat english muffin iwth peanut butter, fruit and about 6oz of 1% milk. Because I don't have breakfast until around 9am I'm not starving before lunch and I can eat something sensible around 12:30pm.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Pseudolus
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 12:45 PM

OK, I know this is a slow response but better late than never. The thing about not eating in between meals is not so much that I don't eat at all, but my in between meals eating was sometimes another 2 or 3 full blown meals. When I eat in between meals now, it is usually a banana or an apple. I also drink a lot of water to keep from feeling hungry all the time. I agree though, each of us will find what works best for them. Nothing worse than someone assuming that because their plan worked for them that it MUST work for you! For example, I know that a lot of carbs isn't the answer but to get myself kickstarted I was eating a ton of breakfast cereal (Cheerios, Special K, Rice Chex etc.) sometimes for breakfast ADN lunch, two bowls per meal with 1% milk. After losing weight it occurred to me that I needed to get a little more balanced for the long haul, so I did. I still eat breakfast cereal but I balance it out with protein and of course we are excercising! So far so good!

Great thread, tons of good ideas!!

Frank

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Leadfingers
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 12:09 PM

100

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 10:52 AM

Moving this over from the other thread:

ubject: RE: BS: Holding ourselves accountable - weight-wis
From: Rapaire - PM
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 09:31 AM

Part of what I'm fighting is genetic -- my paternal grandfather looked like a beer barrel with a head and limbs. Also, I've managed to obtain Type II diabetes from either AO exposure in the Army or via my ancestors and THAT means watching what I eat, watching my blood sugar, watching my exercise, watching my weight. Combine all that with mild COPD (never should have smoked a pipe or anything else!) and it can become tricky.

But it's all manageable, and I've spent as much as two hours at a stretch above 10,000 feet (I live at about 5,000 feet) without discomfort. Above 8,000 feet for any length of time can cause problems unless I'm there long enough to acclimatize.

Now, as I lose weight many of these problems will lessen.

I just don't recommend doing it the way I recently did.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: JennieG
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 11:45 PM

Don't forget sleep too! According to fairly recent studies (which could probably be found should one care to google) we need a minimum of 7 hours sleep a night to kick-start off any weight loss.

Days are getting rather busy aren't they.....each day has suddenly become 7 hours shorter!

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 06:49 PM

Thanks, Jacqui. Here ya go: Holding ourselves accountable - weight-wise.

Sins, I take that as your first posting?**bg**

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: jacqui.c
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 06:32 PM

Sounds like a great idea Kat.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 03:46 PM

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 03:45 PM

That does work for the most part, Greg.:-) It is really the only way to control the nutritional elements, esp. things such as sodium intake.

Would it be helpful if we had a separate thread just for checking in when we reach certain daily goals, i.e. just post with a blank posting IF you've managed to make it through a day of meeting your goals, be they eating, exercising, meditating/visualising, etc.? A way of holding ourselves to accountable to each other?

I started back on my Qi Gong, today and have noticed a remarkable improvement in my breathing. It is my goal to do this every day, along with another breathing thing which will build up my lung capacity to what it was before the pneumonia. I think I'd do a better job of making myself do this if I was to "report" in at Mudcat on the days I do so. What say you all?

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: greg stephens
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 03:20 PM

WEll, I said probably.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Becca72
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 03:05 PM

Greg, you obviously never met my mother...

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: greg stephens
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 02:37 PM

Here's a great idea I've just thought of. Don't eat anything you(or someone you're fond of) haven't cooked from scratch. Now, that way, you'll have decent food, and probably lose weight.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 02:32 PM

Here's a little story that will make you think about public gyms...

Here in the UK, we had a thing called 'Exercise on Prescription' which meant you'd visit your doctor with your long term medical condition (asthma, obesity, arthritis, whatever) and they would write you a prescription for a gym card. This would be taken to the local council run leisure centres where you would get a free induction and cut price sessions on the gym equipment.

I was put on this scheme and so ended up spending 2hours in the gym twice a week. This went on for about 4 months until I got a full time job. At my last session, I weighed a stone more than at my induction, something the coach couldn't understand why. I know muscle weighs more than fat, but I'd not gained that much muscle.

What had happened was this. The sessions were all in the afternoon, I'd do my workout, get hot, tired and hungry and so go for a sit down and something to eat in the gym cafeteria. The choices available in the cafeteria would be chips, curry, rice, pasta, baked potatoes or pies. I'd eat a baked potato and then go home. At home, I'd be so tired I'd flop out on the sofa for the rest of the evening. As soon as I stopped exercising and eating those bi-weekly baked potatoes, I started to lose weight.

The trick is to not eat at the gym, but to have your own packed lunch or snack box of healthy foods. The food at the gym was all low fat, but it consisted mostly of carbohydrates which I'd just spent 2 hours burning up. My body just thought 'we need these, give us more' and so I gained weight. I stopped going to the gym and within a month I'd lost that extra stone.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Donuel
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 02:18 PM

Yup I gained about 10 pounds after cigy cessation.

Stopping soft drinks is a quick and easy 5 to 10 lb weight loss.

I worked for Therapeutic Hypnosis which was basicly a weight loss business. After about 3 years some of my fellow counselors got together in Syracuse NY and hatched the plan to start Weight Loss Center. That was almost 30 years ago. Instead of becoming a multi millionaire I did my own thing and continued to explore hypnosis in all its ramifications. (watch Derren Brown)

What was most sucessful for wt loss was cutting the amount of anything a person ate in half and require drinking water with every meal or snack. Sensation and behavior were modified via PHS. A second reduction by half followed about 2 months later.

After 14 years I retired my shingle.
Now I hafta lose 20 lbs. ;^[

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Becca72
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 11:29 AM

I don't own a scale...the only time I find out how much I've lost is at my nutritionist appointment every 3 weeks. Saves on the obscession.

Also, I was one who never exercised...hated it. Then I got a treadmill when I hurt my back to try to do some physical therapy at home. A year later I decided to actually use it. The best set up is if you can put it in front of the TV and then use it for a 30 minute program. I don't have the space in my apartment for that, but I've learned that I can read while I'm using it. It's really what has kept me going on it. If I just had to stand there and walk for 20 minutes I'd have given it up by now.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 08:32 AM

That's a good tip Sins, not weighing yourself every day, but once or twice a month, certainly no more than once a week.

Take a set of measurements, make a note of them on the computer somewhere if you can (not advisable in a public library or at work). Don't measure yourself until a calendar month has passed. Enter the figures and forget about them.

Do this monthly and you'll see the difference better than if you did it more often.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 08:14 AM

Edmund tried to explain the merits of an Ipod to me over New Years. I wasn't convinced. One more thing for me to lose the charger for. I am still challenged by my cell phone.
So I too am a non-Ipod owner.
Started meds to bring my cholesterol down as well as changes in diet -simple things like one egg not two if I have any. Chicken not beef. Olivio not butter. So far it is relatively painless except for cutting out my evening wine. Actually with Micca here that never happened.
Oatmeal or whole grain cereal for breakfast instead of a breakfast sandwich at the office. I am avoiding the scale until I see my doctor next month. Simple changes not obsession. This medication has side effects that are at best unpleasant. The sooner I am off of it the better.
Exercise...I hate it. But I will use the treadmill three times a week and join a Yoga class as well as start some simple exercises to strengthen muscles.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: greg stephens
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 07:46 AM

Well I'm on a familiar path. Gave up smoking(totally succesfully I'm glad to say) 3 or 4 years back, and now, of course, I'm twice the man I used to be. I can't afford to throw out all my old trousers, so I took action a few days back. I have drawn a little graph, with my weight descending by a stone from Jan 1 to May Day, which is represented by a sloping down line on the graph. Now, all I have to do is weigh myself, mark it up, and see the points on the graph are all under or on the line I've drawn in. And if it goes over, eat even less for a week. Now, this shouldn't be rocket science, looks pretty basic to me. I will report in a a week or two when I see if it works. Good luck, everybody.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: GUEST,LTS pretending to work
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 06:42 AM

Sandra - that sounds exactly the same as what happened to me. It wasn't until I fainted 3 times in 5 days just getting up from the fridge that anything got done about it.

I had many tests, one of which was the treadmill test. I was wired up to a monitor and started walking. After 10 minutes there was very little difference to the result. They let me sit down whilst the doctors and technicians talked to the 20+ students who were also in the room (it's a teaching hospital, I couldn't say no). Having sat resting for some 10 minutes, the machine suddenly started pinging loudly. Whilst sitting still, my heart rate had jumped from a steady 62 to 170 and then back down to 48. That's when they decided I really did have a problem and suggested a catheter ablation, where they burnt out the extra electrical impulses. It sounds very much as if you have a similar problem. In my experience, the ablation made a massive difference and I can only suggest you ask your cardiologist about it.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 02:17 AM

Liz - fortunately my electrical problem is nothing like that.

All I have is an occasional very irregular heart beat(arrythmia? spelling??) There I am pottering along at around 60 heart beats per minute when one beat goes up to 160, then it's back to 60. It is not heart disease (ie. heart muscles are not affected)

The first time I went to hospital cos my heart was racing & I was also hyperventilating which made it worse. I spent 10 hours hooked up to a monitor & had lotsa' tests, & when nothing showed up I was sent home & prescribed Beta blockers when/if needed.

No. 2 trip I was being released after 6 uneventful hours when the monitor showed the problem, so they kept me in overnight cos they finally had a diagnosis & a treatment.

sandra

Kat reminded me about school - I was useless at sport & had a nasty sports teacher who didn't like me cos I was useless at sport. To this day I don't put my head under water because she held my head under, & the only way I could swim was breast stroke with my neck up like a turtle, which is no good for my back, so I no longer swim. Another time she threw a medicine ball at my chest, surely she didn't expect me to catch it & throw if back? I couldn't run, jump, climb ...

It was only when I saw my first physio in the mid-late 80s that I was properly diagnosed. According to her my legs needed calipers when I was very young, & my hips & knees don't move & bend like other folks' hips & knees. Another proper diagnosis, about 40 years too late.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 10:47 PM

Boy, he must've been a real jerk, Jennie! Lost a good dance partner, too, I am sure.

So now, Midchuck must feel better, knowing there are least two others who do not have ipods.**bg**

I was active enough growing up; rode horses, hiked with family, rambled with my dog, did gym classes in school, though I didn't exactly like those. My family used to tease me a bit about not keeping up with them when we did go hiking, but we all thought it was because I was the littlest and just had shorter legs at the time. I was still doing pretty well after I had my kids, my weight was no problem and I went dancing a lot, as well as riding horses and working full-time. Then I had a hysterectomy which caused weight gain and found out I probably was a slower hiker and got cold easily when out camping because my aortic valve leaked a bunch. I had an idiot cardiologist tell me to "run an extra mile" on those says when I felt like eating a candy bar. I say idiot, because I was unble to run even one mile! They explained to me my heart was beating extra fast to compensate for the leak, as a normal person's would when they'd run; running would not make it go any faster and I would run out of oxygen as it couldn't pump the oxygenated blood through my system any faster.

So, after many years of not being able to keep up one kind of exercise or another, though I did have a couple of good years of swimming and tai chi, I went downhill to until I was on oxygen for eight years, then new heart valve, you all have heard the rest.

Here I am, 2.5 years after the surgery and feeling well enough to really get going. I am up to ten minutes on the treadmill, my eating is good and I know the only thing which will probably really get my weight falling off is more time on the treadmill with a little dancing added in. I do little tricks with myself. If I want to watch a certain show on tv, I get on the treadmill to watch most of it, with half minute breaks every few minutes. Rog is weaning himself off cigarettes. When we are watching a movie together, when we pause it for him to go out for a smoke, I get on the treadmill. (I'm glad he is quitting and will find another reason to keep treadmilling.) I know it doesn't matter how much at a time, nor how long, but that I am consistent about doing something; that is what works for me.

There are plenty of days when I do not feel up to doing any of it. That's partly mental, though. Old thinking habits from when I really wasn't up for anything because the ticker wasn't working right. If I can talk myself into getting up and get moving regardless, I almost always feel better. If I can keep it up for a month or so I will change the old patterns into new, I hope.

I am also working on reminding myself to breath. With the supplemental O2, I got lazy with my breathing. I was able to get off it and do very well until pneumonia came for a visit. Now, I am slowly working my lungs and breathing up to capacity again.

So, moral to the too long posting? Take it one day at a time. Trite but true. Each day is a new start, so even if one has to say "Only for today I shall do this" it will work because you can do it, then get up the next morning and say the same thing and do it all again. Before you know it, you will have added up a bunch of days of "doing it" and can watch the clothes sizes change.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: JennieG
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 10:13 PM

'Sallright Kat - I don't own an ipod either! I have one of those old-fashioned (but still working) radio-cassette players and I listen to that when walking.

Liz's advice about getting off the bus one stop early and walking the rest of the way is also good advice, except I drive to work. For a couple of years I went by train but Sydney's train service is a bit of a joke......gave it up when my morning train was cancelled once too often. One train every 30 minutes; if you miss that one you are are going to be 30 minutes late for work. Too bad.

Even at school I wasn't one of the sporty kids - I was one of the quiet ones reading in the corner, who do anything to get out of sport. The culture of the school I attended was to foster the kids who were 'good' at sport and not worry much about the others!

For several years I was also dancing regularly - contra, Irish ceildh, Scottish country etc - but after being injured by an over-enthusiastic partner several years ago I stopped for a while. When I thought of going back I was told by a bloke at one ball that, as an unacompanied woman, I wasn't welcome....so as far as I am concerned the Sydney dance scene can shove their dancing shoes where the sun don't shine. I don't expect to be treated like royalty when I am able to turn up, but I don't like being put down for trying either.

Never mind, I shall just keep walking occasionally. Now I am off to the library to borrow more Liz Byrski books......

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: LilyFestre
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 07:57 PM

I used to hate to exercise too. HATED IT. I hated it so much that I lost 50 pounds without doing any of it (just normal daily activity stuff, no extras). But then I tried new things. Things I didn't think I could do. Things that are a little bit different (at least in my mind) than "normal" exercising. I found that I love to kayak, I love to do water aerobics (outside pool/water only), yoga rocks my world almost daily (think it's all about sitting around chanting? Try Ashtanga/Vinyasa flow!). I still do some traditional exercising but I think I get the most from the workouts that involve something I enjoy doing. I love being upside down and all stretched out or out paddling against the wind and small waves (they present a challenge for a kayak!) In the fall, I really enjoy walking in the woods...nothing ridiculous, a couple miles maybe, at a pace where I/we are enjoying the world and not racing to be anywhere....it is still exercise!

Next week I will begin coaching...I'm sure some natural exercise will come about with that too and instead of dreading it like I would have a year or so ago, I am really looking forward to it!!!!
   
So, it IS possible to lose a good amount of weight without adding the exercise but for me, I found that physical activity not only helps the weight loss along but it's fun.....playtime, even. If I don't enjoy it, I KNOW I won't do it for long.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 02:41 PM

There's a joke that only really works in the UK.

I decided to go on a diet, so I walked to the bookshop and immediately lost twenty pounds. It's hard to find a cheap diet book.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 11:23 AM

Hi. My name is kat and I don't own an ipod.**bg** (This is also the third time I've tried to post the following:)


Saw a segment on tv about the Joy Fit Club developed by a nutritionist. Obviously she is making money at it, but her book does look interesting and there are some really inspiring testimonials such as this one at msnbc: Click. She has stuff for vegetarians in it, which is important to me. The only thing I didn't like about what I heard was she recommended cereals that are only whole grain or oat, which is GOOD, but then mentioned prepackaged snack foods which I consider to be not good. Since her book/diet is based on 90 percent nutritious foods and 10 percent "fun" foods, I guess she's being realistic. I don't usually do very well with "books" of this kind and I don't know where she's at on low sodium, but I will at least take a look.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Midchuck
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 10:54 AM

I know it's necessary but geez I reckon it is a waste of time. I go for a 30 minute walk most days and all I can think of is "that's 30 minutes of my life gone that I can never get back". In those 30 minutes I could have read 30 pages of a book...

I thought I was the last person left in the world without an iPod.

Couldn't you listen to "talking books" while walking - either with one of those or an antique cassette player?

(But not if you walk on the road, in traffic - Please.)

Peter

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Bill D
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 09:46 AM

More & more is being learned about genetic basis for some obesity.


research on Leptin

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 08:59 AM

Sandra - your electrical problem - if, after exercise or a sudden movement like getting up from a crouch or bending down, you start getting light headed and/or dizzy, feel faint or actually pass out, go and get another cardiologist. It's a vicious circle where you can't exercise because your heart isn't working properly, so you gain weight which strains your heart more... please, get another opinion!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 08:25 AM

I've been seeing a nutritionist since (pause to look in folder) - first appointment May 2005.

My Dr sent me cos I was pre-diabetic & I weighed in at 89kg (height 168cm or 5'7& 1 quarter inches). I'm aiming for about 70kg - when I can comfortably wear a skirt I made in 1978. Remember that line from the ballads about wearing an apron high? Tho that referred to young ladies in the family way, not middle age spread like mine.

Last appointment in Nov I was 74.3kg but I have been about the same for a year. My lowest was 71.7 Nov 06 & since then I've fluctuated because I can't be bothered. Part of that comes from settling into retirement, but the other is the old enemy the blaaahs (low level depression) that I know I can snap out of, but .... I can't be bothered!

My nutritionist recommended a book about Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Dr Sarah Edelman's 'Change your Thinking' but I've found it almost impossible to concentrate on when I've tried to read it (hmmmm).

I also have a lot of problems with exercise (I hate it!) but am often too sore to do much. My first physio described me as badly put together & an accident waiting to happen, so I'm limited in what I can do.

My physio sent me to her Senior's Tai Chi & Gentle Exercise class (I'm the token 55 year old - the others are in their 70s & 80s & one member is 91!!) She also suggested I walk against the current in the Rapid River area of our local Aquatic Centre & exercise in the Hydrotherapy pool, plus walk around the local park when I can.

I have a electrical problem with my heart (not heart disease) & my cardiologist talks about fast-moving & puffing exercises that I can't do, but I ignore him as he doesn't listen to me. Perhaps I need to ask my physio to send him a report, maybe he might listen to her.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 03:34 AM

If you can do it swimming is an excellent form of exercise as the water supports your body.

I only had one piece of maternity wear to pass on to the charity shop, I was lucky enough not to have to go out and buy a lopad of clothes for a few months. I've got a friend who is battling with her weight ater pregnancy and an under active thyroid, she eats well and healthily but just can't seem to shift the weight. I'll direct her to this thread so she can get some support and ideas too.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 02:07 AM

Sneak the exercise in without realising it - that's the way to get it done.

Take a bus to work? Walk to the next stop instead of your usual or get off a stop earlier than yours. Of course, this isn't possible if there are several miles between bus stops but in an urban or metropolitan environment, this is quite easy. Sooner or later, you may find yourself not bothering with the bus at all, but walking to work.

Walk around the office more - go and find the person you need to speak to, rather than calling them on their extension. Walk down the stairs instead of taking the lift if it's only a couple of floors.

Get a book of Pilates exercises and adapt them to do at your desk - there are lots of leg stretches and shoulder rolls that you can do sitting down, muscle flexing that can be done unobtrusively and relaxation techniques to help with breathing.

Hands up everyone who drives less than a mile to get to a gym where they pay to walk for 5 miles. You'd be surprised at how many people do just that.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: JennieG
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 12:55 AM

My bugbear is exercise, no matter what form it takes - I hate it. I know it's necessary but geez I reckon it is a waste of time. I go for a 30 minute walk most days and all I can think of is "that's 30 minutes of my life gone that I can never get back". In those 30 minutes I could have read 30 pages of a book, or sewn several seams, or answered a few emails....something to show for my time.

Don't tell me how good it is for me, I know all that crap. I have to exercise because of high blood pressure, something I never had in my life until a couple of months ago. Unfortunately I fit some of the criteria - a family history of hypertension, and getting older, are two factors I can't change.

While I'm not fat, I am carrying more weight than someone my build should. So I am trying to watch what I eat and to go on those dreary walks. If I lose 10kg in the meantime I would be a happy little bunny - 15kg, even better.

Thank you for listening, I feel better now!

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: GUEST,pattyClink
Date: 06 Jan 08 - 05:22 PM

Interesting link. I don't have the cash to risk such an experiment, but I guess the main point, as you say, is to get serious--and maybe give yourself a serious incentive to do so.

Since we're getting lots of good ideas about 'what works for me' here's one: plan meals. Sit down once a week with a pencil and pad and just jot down what you think you'll eat; bearing in mind what you already have on hand to use up. Good time to clear out the fridge and note what's in there.   Then grocery shop for stuff you need to make those meals, including all the veggies and salad stuff. Don't get crazy and plan every morsel, allow some slack for leftovers and a night out.   

It seems a bit compulsive in the life of a free spirit, but it really helps get rid of that desperate grabbing for something quick and starchy to fix at the last minute.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From:
Date: 06 Jan 08 - 03:56 PM

Seems to me that this bloke has really got to the heart of the matter. Are you serious or are you not?

http://opinionjournal.com/taste/?id=110011081

Hmmm. that was supposed to be a link, still,copy and paste will do.

jack

link fixed - el joe clone

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Marilyn
Date: 06 Jan 08 - 06:38 AM

Thanks, Kat and WLD for encouraging comments and support - it does make a difference - I don't feel so alone in my struggle!

No success so far, though (but then I haven't been trying very hard so that's no surprise). Am starting in earnest tomorrow - fingers crossed!

Good luck to everybody - keep telling about your successes (and failures) because it helps to know we're all working together!

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 06:05 PM

I heartily concur with that WLD, in fact, it may well have cost me a job - I was sacked for taking too much time off sick with "asthma".

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: kendall
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 01:59 PM

One diet that is guaranteed to work...If it tasts good, spit it out.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 12:07 PM

I am continuting to work on weight issues this year. My goal is to be 100 pounds lighter by Mother's Day and I am pretty darn close! :) What's been working for me is this: I eat whole foods (very little processed food) and exercise daily. Exercise isn't such a chore when you find something that you LOVE to do.

:) Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Ron Davies
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 10:07 AM

It's just not reasonable to expect people to give up snacking. I'm sure this is obvious too--but just in case, the thing to do is to make sure the snacks are--only--healthy. Yogurt --(I suppose non-fat is better than low-fat, but I don't go that far),-- carrots, fruit, nuts (without sugar) and vegetables in general--and lots of water---as has been noted before.

Try to get some exercise every day. I don't think asking for real exercise every day is reasonable either--but walking about a mile should be--at your own pace. Even slow walking--noting flora and fauna--is better than no walking.

And if you eat a big meal, the earlier in the day the better--so you have a chance to work some of it off. Worst thing is to eat a big meal late in the day. I'm lucky enough to be able to come home and eat something nourishing before going to rehearsal on Tuesdays--but lots of people come right from work to rehearsal. Then during the break, they gorge themselves on the junk food--cookies etc.--that's offered. Unfortunately, for some it seems to register in pounds.   Our singing may be aerobic--but not aerobic enough.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 07:56 AM

Its very weird isn't it Liz? When you look back, you suddenly understand what maybe thirty of forty or even in my case over fifty years of experience have been about. You feel like you may have misinterpreted your whole life - because you didn't know, and totally misunderstood what you were feeling. Perhaps you were puzzled at the time, why am I feeling like this. In truth though a lot of the tests that made the present diagnosis possible, simply weren't available even just a few years ago.

I feel certain the heart problems were genetic in origin, and what in my mother's case was diagnosed, when she was a child, as rheumatic fever was this heart thing.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 04:32 AM

Weelittledrummer - I'm with you on the dicky ticker preventing excercise. For years my doctor thought I was asthmatic, so treated me for that every time I had an 'attack'. Then a stressful situation arose and I started fainting on a weekly basis. Investigations showed an arrythmia (irregular heartbeat) that meant as I excercised, my heart pushed blood around too fast for the oxygen to be aborbed.

Heart was fixed, weight went down as I had more energy to do more walking. and stuff.

I've noticed over the last 9-12 months though, that the old symptoms are coming back as is the weight, so I'm thinking about going back to the cardiologist.

The only advice I can give is make it realistic, make it steady and make it routine. Don't set absurd goals, don't be tempted to crash diet and don't give up doing it.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 09:15 PM

Cutting portions certainly helps, JOe. Thanks!

Sins, I love your suggestion! The ribbon one, not the Getaway table one.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: Joe_F
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 08:31 PM

I am not fat, but I saw my weight creeping up and wanted to put a stop to it. I am lucky in that I have never been in the habit of eating between meals. On the other hand, I am not willing to resort to diet ("lite" -- ick) foods. So what works for me is just to cut the size of portions. I used to make an omelet with two extra-large eggs; I cut that to two large, then two medium, and then one jumbo. I used to have 1/2 lb of meat or fish at dinner; I cut that to 1/3 and then 1/4. Of course, if I eat a meal in a restaurant the portions are far too large; in that case I have half the order wrapped up and/or skimp on the other meals that day.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: SINSULL
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 04:09 PM

Dare we set up a table of outgrown clothes at the Getaway? Those of us who have reached Size 8 can donate their 10s and 12s; the 10s and 12s can add theuir 14s and 16s and so on up to the preggie stuff.
Everyhting must be clean, pressed and wearable - tough for those of us with large bosoms that catch everything...and for those with colicky babies who cough up all sorts of nastiness on Mom.

A suggestion:
Measure yourself and cut pieces of ribbon to the length - bust, waist and hips. As you lose, cut the ribbons and save the cuttings for a symbolic burning. Or wait until you reach goal and cut to fit. You will have tangible proof of your success.

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 03:56 PM

Mine! Though, I think she got rid of most of hers, too. One c-section was enough for her, I hope!

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: SINSULL
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 02:46 PM

Yours or your daughter's????
LOL

Subject: RE: BS: Fighting Fat 2008
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 12:48 PM

Yeah, maternity clothes went out a long time ago, here.:-)